Some advice for a new president

I think it is important that you know that I voted for Hillary Clinton and support a majority of the stances she has for our nation. With that said, I congratulate Donald Trump on his winning of the Electoral College.

Now let me tell you what I look forward to seeing in the next four years.

With Republicans controlling the White House and Congress, I look forward to changes being completed as promised.

First, I look forward to a changed immigration plan. I’m not interested in a wall and if that is what gets done then so be it, but let’s see true reform happen here. We are a country formed on the backs of immigrants who came here to find freedom they couldn’t find in their home countries. Let’s not forget this when addressing the shortfalls of the current policies.

Second, I understand the concerns with “Obamacare” and I’ve watched how it affects people I care about and follow on social media. I'm OK with repealing it, but don’t leave the everyday man with no way to afford the means to sustain a decent life.

Third, don’t forget the people who got you there. They are unhappy for a reason. Many of the families I serve and have served as a teacher, live in communities where jobs have been swept out from under their feet. The primary reason is that the labor force lacks the skills needed to perform the tasks of the jobs and yet we see these jobs moved to countries with substandard educational systems. The children that I see graduating from the schools I have served are very capable of doing these tasks even though we have removed job-training programs such as a 4-year Industrial Tech curriculum from our schools. Bring back these courses and I believe more students will feel invested in their education and the labor force will be increased.

However, I believe free trade and relaxed tariffs are the root cause for the continued exodus of manufacturing jobs in our country. I fully support working to bring jobs back to our nation through the repeal or change of these policies.

Finally, Mr. Trump, you implored the African-American and Hispanic communities to vote for you because the Democratic Party hasn’t followed through with their promises. And with that I must agree. Therefore, you must follow through and bring peace to the urban communities. Provide guidance to this country to reduce and maybe eliminate the underlying biases that hurt these fellow Americans. We cannot continue to expect the status quo to lead to feelings of acceptance and welcome when the reality is we continue to say that “it is not our problem, it’s theirs."

Now, I will support my president-elect because he has energized an electorate, both urban and rural, that is in need of change immediately. May we be present in this time to see such things happen.